Top Story

Mercedes-Benz' off-road icon gets electrified

Tags:



The G 580 GELÄNDEWAGEN EV
presents 'unimagined possibilities'

(April 29, 2024) With the all-new Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology, Mercedes presents the first fully electric variant of its off-road icon. It represents a unique fusion of tradition and progressive technology. The all-new electric G-Class features the distinctive silhouette and unmistakable design elements of the model series. The development team has modified and reinforced the robust ladder frame to integrate the electric drive.

2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia



PHOENIX — The Genesis of Alfa Romeo is a sporty 115 years old, centenary automotive brand that checks all the boxes of what one would expect of an Alfa Romeo: Aesthetically beautiful, comfortable, thrilling driving dynamics, reassuring behavior with a sense it can inflict at least a mild case of Stendhal Syndrome — a psychosomatic condition that can trigger a rapid heartbeat, fainting, even hallucinations when individuals become exposed to objects of art, great beauty or lust.

2024 Mercedes GLC Coupe



PHOENIX — Like the standard issue compact GLC SUV from which it's based upon, the second generation GLC Coupe tested here as a 2024 model is basically a smaller, sportier version that's grown a bit larger length and height, yet remains the same width. So slight is the visual change between the old and new would require them to be parked side by side to see the grille now favors the AMG variants along with the stylized propeller on either side and of course the enormous trim-star moniker.

2024 Subaru Impreza



PASO ROBLES, Calif. — Spring has finally come to California wine country and I’m clipping through tight two-lane roads through vineyards and wineries around Paso Robles.  I’m doing my best to keep eyes on the road, but the greenery and mountains are simply magical.  Yet, the roads and this car demand attention lest I end up a visitor center lawn ornament.  As invigorating is the drive, this little hatchback could just as easily take Miles and Maisey to cello lessons.  I’m driving the completely redesigned 2024 Subaru Impreza RS.

Vehicle of the Week

2024 Toyota Crown — Redefining the great American sedan



By Casey Williams
MyCarData

(April 28, 2024) All automakers are facing the challenge of  how to keep their sedans relevant.  It’s a crossover world, ya’all.  So, to stand out from the boring three-box masses, they must innovate without squandering the handling and comfort for which sedans are known.  When Toyota replaced its long-standing Avalon full-size sedan, it could have just given us another.  Instead, we drive the 2024 Toyota Crown Platinum.

Here's the Thing

2024 Nissan Z NISMO — Return of the samurai



By David Boldt
MyCarData

(April 28, 2024) It was some 20 years ago when Nissan invited me (and many, many others) to its Nissan 360 press event, which brought together — in and around San Francisco — Nissan’s global fleet for, if you will, a fleet meet-and-greet. There were dozens of highlights, including the chance to both see and drive many of the Nissan models not available in these United States. But my personal best was driving a NISMO-modified 350Z on a winding route into Northern California’s Marin County.

Hyundai Tucson gets major power boost with hybrid drivetrain



By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 27, 2024) Hyundai continues to add to the top-selling vehicle in its fleet by putting a gas-electric hybrid drivetrain in the N Line trim of the 2024 Tucson. The HEV setup gives the Tucson a significant boost in power over gasoline-powered models while eliminating the need to plug it in for charging. Sure, you don’t get the 33 miles or so of all-electric driving that the PHEV offers, but that is a small price to pay for not having to dilly-dally around with charging sessions.

Small SUVs struggle with new IIHS front crash prevention test



(April 26, 2024) The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is updating its vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention test to address crashes that occur at higher speeds and those in which the struck vehicle is a motorcycle or large truck. Only one of the first 10 small SUVs evaluated earns a good rating.

Inside the Industry

2024 Mercedes CLE Cabriolet starts at $65,500



New droptop features two
48-volt mild hybrid engines

    
(April 29, 2024) ATLANTA — The new CLE Cabriolet is the latest four-seat, open-top dream car from Mercedes-Benz. It is now arriving at U.S. dealerships starting at $65,500 including destination charge.The 2024 CLE Cabriolet combines dynamic driving enjoyment with everyday comfort. It joins the recently introduced CLE Coupe and brings its own unique character, from the classic acoustic soft top to available leather seats with a special reflective coating to stay cool on the warmest days.

Honda to invest $11 billion to build EV supply chain in Canada



(April 29, 2024) Honda has announced that it plans to build a comprehensive EV value chain in Canada with an approximate investment of $11 billion including investment by joint venture partners, to strengthen its EV supply system and capability to prepare for a future increase in EV demand in North America. Honda has begun evaluating the requirements to build an innovative and environmentally responsible Honda EV plant and a stand-alone Honda EV battery plant in Alliston, Ontario.

New gas-powered Chevy Equinox to start under $30,000



(April 29, 2024) Chevrolet said last week that its redesigned gasoline-powered Equinox compact crossover will start below $30,000 when it goes on sale this year. The 2025 Equinox LT trim level starts at $29,995 with shipping for front-wheel drive and $31,995 for all-wheel drive. The outgoing Equinox starts at $27,995 for the LS, which has been discontinued with the redesign, and $30,890 for the entry-level LT model.

Abandoned Car of the Week

A Ford work truck



This fifth-generation 1971 Ford F-Series truck was found in northern Florida minus a few necessities such as headlights, bumpers and side trim. The 1971 F-Series had a variety of six and-eight cylinder engines. Transmissions included 3 and 4-speed manuals and a 4-speed automatic.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)